The 10 Most Luxurious First-Class Airline Cabins

For most, the average flight is just that, average. A cramped seat with the occasional salty snack and a complimentary plastic cup of soda. And then there's first class, a place where you are greeted with champagne upon taking your seat, a hot towel, and legroom for days. Even though airlines have reduced the number of first-class seats in favor of a larger business class in recent years, they’re tailoring an even more exclusive experience for the privileged few who are still willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a ticket. Here are the ten most extravagant first-class experiences in the sky.

Singapore Airline’s first class, created by BMW’s Designworks, was designed as a cocooned haven with exclusive sensory experiences, from the luxurious texture of a diamond-quilted leather armchair to the soft, warm glow of cove lighting that spotlights unexpected storage spaces. Singapore Airlines’ partnership with such Michelin-starred chefs as Alfred Portale of New York's Gotham Bar and Grill and Suzanne Goin, who helms A.O.C.., Lucques and Tavern in Los Angeles, ensures the satisfaction of refined palates onboard. singaporeair.com

Air France’s La Première cabin embodies the sophistication you’d expect from the airline's home country. The boudoir-esque suite, which can be closed off by sound-absorbing curtains, is clad in leather and suede and accessorized by a sea-horse print lamp and a slate-gray ottoman. You can dine à deux on Atlantic lobster in a curried coconut sauce by Daniel Boulud, and come turn-down, the ergonomically designed, tweed-covered seat transforms into a memory-foam cushion bed topped with a Sofitel My Bed duvet and fluffy down pillows. airfrance.com

British Airways’ reimagined first class on the Boeing 787–9 carries a very British air of distinction. Swathed in hand-stitched leather and chrome finishes, the new design focuses on additional storage: An ottoman doubles as a case for shoes or handbags; a wardrobe and mirrored cabinet are accessible within arm’s reach; and a compartment for plugs and tablets is discreetly tucked beside an armrest. Dual-screen viewing is possible through a smartphone-like handset and a 23-inch flat screen. The esteemed ambience wouldn’t be complete without a traditional afternoon tea with smoked salmon and rocket lettuce sandwiches and house-made scones and clotted cream. britishairways.com

The full bed in Etihad Airways' Residence.

There’s something soothing about the caramel- and grey-brown compartments of Lufthansa’s new first class. The floor is covered by noise-neutralizing insulation, the climate controlled by humidifiers, and generous portions of caviar are served before multicourse meals prepared by a rotation of chefs such as Diethard Urbansky of Restaurant Dallmayr in Munich. In the center of the cabin is a bar station, with an array of free-flowing wines and artisanal chocolates (including pistachio brittle, cactus fruit, and sour cherry cream truffles). And when it’s time for slumber, the fauteuil slides into a Paradies-made bed—designed in consultation with the Berlin-based Charité sleep center—with percale sheets and an oversize, temperature-regulating pillow. lufthansa.com

ANA's first-class cabins may seem more subdued than those of its flashy competitors, but perhaps in the Japanese modus operandi, every detail and inch of space is accounted for. The minimalist cubes boast 30 percent more room than the previous generation’s curvy compartments and are supplemented with space-organizing cubbies to store laptops, glasses, and magazines. Textures and fabrics have been factored into passenger comfort: A cashmere-and-organic-cotton lap rug, a bedtime duvet, and a weight-distributing mattress topper are lightweight and breathable but also cozy and warming. Thanks to a new partnership with [Conrad Hotels] (http://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/index.html), passengers on flights from New York to Japan can (for a limited time) feast on dishes from the group’s Tokyo- and New York–based restaurants, like branzino with ratatouille in a tomato saffron sauce. fly-ana.com

Qantas Airways wants their premium clientele to be as relaxed as possible before they even set foot in their luxe first-class accommodations. Prior to takeoff, first-class passengers can receive some complimentary preflight pampering at the Aurora Day Spa, which is situated inside the airline’s Marc Newson–designed lounge at their flagship airports. qantas.com

Emirates first-class suites offer each traveler the comfort of their own home with the luxury of a five-star hotel, boasting a leather-seat-turned-bed in each private room. Take advantage of the onboard lounge for a beverage with your fellow passengers. Not feeling social? Indulge in the opulent pop-up mini bar in your suite or summon your private butler and enjoy a drink in peace. The height of decadence comes in the airline’s onboard shower spa with luxe Bvlgari products. emirates.com

Never one to be left out of the luxury race, Virgin Atlantic’s upper-class suites consist of semiprivate seats-turned-beds, changing from a buttery leather seat to a comfortable mattress at the touch of a button. Before settling into your inviting cotton bedding and complimentary pajamas, hit the upper-class private bar for a nightcap. virginatlantic.com

Pamper yourself in Qatar’s first-class accommodations by indulging in the delicious onboard cuisine, crafted exclusively for the airline by celebrity chefs. Settle in for the evening to your freshly turned down bed swathed in Frette linens for a luxurious night’s sleep at 40,000 feet. qatarairways.com

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